Androgenetic alopecia presents differently across racial and ethnic groups in prevalence, pattern, progression rate, and follicular characteristics. Asian men have lower follicle density per cm2 than Caucasian men, and applying Caucasian-derived benchmarks to Asian scalps leads to misdiagnosis. Ethnicity-adjusted density benchmarks in myhairline.ai account for these documented biological differences and provide accurate tracking for every user.
Baseline Density Varies by Ethnicity
The single most important fact for ethnicity-aware tracking: normal follicular unit density is not the same across all ethnic groups. Using a universal benchmark means that some populations will always appear to have "low" density even when their hair is perfectly healthy.
| Ethnic Group | FU/cm2 (Range) | FU/cm2 (Average) | Typical Hair Diameter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caucasian | 170 to 230 | 200 | 60 to 80 micrometers |
| African | 120 to 180 | 150 | 60 to 90 micrometers |
| Asian | 140 to 200 | 170 | 80 to 120 micrometers |
| Hispanic | 145 to 195 | 170 | 65 to 85 micrometers |
| Middle Eastern | 150 to 210 | 180 | 65 to 90 micrometers |
These ranges are derived from trichoscopic and histological studies across multiple populations. The averages represent the midpoint of healthy, non-balding scalps in each group.
A Caucasian man with 170 FU/cm2 is at the low end of his normal range and may be experiencing early thinning. An Asian man with 170 FU/cm2 is at his population average and is likely not thinning at all. Without ethnicity adjustment, both would receive the same assessment, and the Asian man might be falsely alarmed.
Caucasian Hair Loss Patterns
Prevalence and Pattern
Caucasian men have the highest lifetime prevalence of androgenetic alopecia among all ethnic groups, with up to 80% experiencing some degree of hair loss. The Norwood Scale was originally developed based on Caucasian hair loss patterns, making it the most directly applicable classification system for this group.
The classic pattern follows the Norwood progression: temporal recession forming an M-shape (Stages 2 to 3), followed by vertex thinning (Stage 3V to 4), eventual connection of frontal and vertex zones (Stages 5 to 6), and finally a narrow horseshoe band of remaining hair (Stage 7).
Tracking Considerations
Caucasian hair is typically finer in diameter (60 to 80 micrometers) but has higher density per cm2. This means each individual hair contributes less coverage, making thinning more visually apparent at earlier stages. Density tracking is particularly sensitive for Caucasian hair because the high baseline creates a larger absolute drop when thinning begins.
Fine, light-colored Caucasian hair can be harder to photograph accurately. Ensure consistent overhead lighting and a contrasting background for reliable density readings.
Asian Hair Loss Patterns
Prevalence and Pattern
Asian men have significantly lower AGA prevalence than Caucasian men, with approximately 15 to 20% affected by age 50 compared to 50% of Caucasian men at the same age. When AGA does occur, it often presents differently from the classic Norwood pattern.
Asian hair loss tends to begin at the vertex rather than the temples. Frontal hairline recession is typically less pronounced. The Ludwig pattern (diffuse thinning across the top) is more common in Asian men than the deep temporal recession seen in Caucasian patterns.
Tracking Considerations
Asian hair has the largest individual shaft diameter (80 to 120 micrometers) among all ethnic groups but lower follicular unit density. Each hair provides more coverage due to its thickness. This means an Asian man can have fewer follicles per cm2 than a Caucasian man but appear to have similar or better coverage.
When tracking Asian hair loss, vertex photography is especially important. Standard frontal hairline photos may miss the primary pattern of loss. Include a top-of-head photo in every tracking session.
For Asian hair loss tracking protocols, myhairline.ai adjusts the density baseline to 140 to 200 FU/cm2 and flags vertex-first patterns that the standard Norwood system may underclassify.
African and Afro-Textured Hair Loss Patterns
Prevalence and Pattern
Clinical prevalence of AGA in men of African descent is lower than in Caucasian men but higher than commonly reported. Earlier studies underestimated prevalence because the assessment tools were calibrated for straight hair. More recent research suggests approximately 15 to 30% of African men develop noticeable AGA, with a different presentation.
African hair loss patterns tend to be more diffuse, with less dramatic temple recession. Central scalp thinning is more common. The Hamilton-Norwood system does not capture these patterns well, which is one reason AGA in African men has been historically underdiagnosed.
Additionally, traction alopecia from tight hairstyles (braids, cornrows, locs, weaves) is a significant concern that can coexist with or mimic androgenetic alopecia. Tracking must distinguish between these two conditions.
Tracking Considerations
Afro-textured hair has unique structural characteristics that affect density measurement. The curled follicle shape means that hairs exit the scalp at sharp angles, and the natural curl can obscure the scalp surface in photography.
| Afro-Textured Hair Factor | Tracking Implication |
|---|---|
| Curved follicle | Hairs may overlap, obscuring true density |
| Lower FU/cm2 (120 to 180) | Must use ethnicity-adjusted benchmark |
| Higher hairs per follicular unit | Compensates for lower FU density |
| Tight curl pattern | Requires closer photography distance |
| Traction alopecia risk | Must track hairline margin separately |
For accurate readings, photograph Afro-textured hair when it is stretched or freshly detangled. Natural shrinkage can obscure density. Use Afro-textured hair loss tracking protocols for best results.
Hispanic Hair Loss Patterns
Prevalence and Pattern
Hispanic men show AGA prevalence between Caucasian and Asian populations, with significant variation depending on ancestry. Those with more European ancestry tend toward Norwood-type patterns. Those with more Indigenous American ancestry may show patterns closer to Asian populations.
The variability within the Hispanic population is wider than within other groups, making personalized tracking especially important. A universal Hispanic benchmark is less reliable than individual baseline tracking.
Tracking Considerations
Hispanic hair diameter (65 to 85 micrometers) and density (145 to 195 FU/cm2) fall in the middle of the global range. Standard photography protocols work well. The key consideration is establishing a personal baseline early rather than relying on population averages.
Middle Eastern Hair Loss Patterns
Prevalence and Pattern
Middle Eastern men have AGA prevalence similar to Caucasian men, with moderate to high rates. The pattern closely follows the Norwood Scale, with frontal recession and vertex thinning progressing in the classic sequence.
Hair diameter is moderate (65 to 90 micrometers) with density averaging 180 FU/cm2. Dark hair color against lighter scalp skin provides excellent contrast for density photography, making tracking particularly accurate.
Tracking Considerations
The main consideration for Middle Eastern hair tracking is body hair donor availability. Middle Eastern men often have robust body hair that can serve as donor material for body hair transplant (BHT) procedures. Tracking both scalp density and donor area density provides a complete picture.
Ethnicity-Adjusted Transplant Planning
When tracking suggests progression to a stage where transplant surgery becomes relevant, ethnicity affects graft planning.
| Ethnic Group | Donor Density (FU/cm2) | Max Safe Extraction (45%) | Hair/Graft Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caucasian | 65 to 85 | ~29 to 38 FU/cm2 | 2.0 to 2.2 |
| African | 50 to 75 | ~23 to 34 FU/cm2 | 2.5 to 3.5 |
| Asian | 50 to 70 | ~23 to 32 FU/cm2 | 1.5 to 2.0 |
| Hispanic | 55 to 80 | ~25 to 36 FU/cm2 | 2.0 to 2.5 |
| Middle Eastern | 60 to 80 | ~27 to 36 FU/cm2 | 2.0 to 2.5 |
African hair typically has higher hairs per follicular unit (2.5 to 3.5), which means fewer grafts can provide equivalent coverage. Asian hair has lower hairs per graft (1.5 to 2.0), meaning more grafts are needed for the same visual density. These differences are critical for realistic outcome expectations.
Treatment Response by Ethnicity
Limited data exists on treatment response differences by ethnicity, but some patterns are emerging.
Finasteride: Clinical trials have been conducted primarily on Caucasian and Asian populations. Efficacy appears similar across groups (80 to 90% halt loss, 65% regrowth), though some studies suggest Asian men may respond at lower doses.
Minoxidil: Response rates of 40 to 60% appear consistent across ethnic groups. Application challenges differ: minoxidil liquid is harder to apply through Afro-textured hair, making the foam formulation preferable.
PRP: Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy at $500 to $2,000 per session shows a 30 to 40% density increase in responders. Ethnicity-specific response data is limited.
Regardless of ethnicity, personal density tracking is the most reliable way to evaluate treatment response. Population averages tell you what is probable. Your tracking data tells you what is actually happening.
Setting Up Ethnicity-Aware Tracking
- Select your background: Choose your ethnic group in myhairline.ai to apply the correct density baseline
- Establish your personal baseline: Take 3 readings over 2 weeks for a reliable starting point
- Photograph all zones: Include frontal, temporal, vertex, and donor area photos
- Track monthly: Consistent monthly readings build the dataset for accurate trend analysis
- Compare to your baseline: Measure change against your own starting point, not against population averages
Your hair is unique. Population data sets the context, but your personal tracking data drives the decisions.
Start Ethnicity-Adjusted Tracking
Get your baseline density reading with ethnicity-adjusted benchmarks at myhairline.ai/analyze.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a board-certified dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment of hair loss conditions.